Our West Jefferson NC Fall Color & Festival Guide 2024 highlights when to visit to see the best fall leaf color, best fall hikes and Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, fall festivals, corn mazes and apple picking not to be missed! 

BEST WEST JEFFERSON NC FALL LEAF COLOR VIEWING TIMES

Leaf color prediction forecasts are done based on elevation (West Jefferson's Elevation is 3,000). Some things to consider that effect leaf color is the amount of rain, wind and heat the High Country receives during September and October.  That is something we cannot predict! Normally, the 3rd Week of October is the best time to view peak leaf color in West Jefferson NC.

INSIDER TIPS: 

• View the latest leaf color prediction from Appalachian State University's Biology Department starting mid-September HERE
  
  

BEST WEST JEFFERSON NC FALL WALKS

• Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
  *CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE
  Mount Jefferson rises 1,600 feet above the town of West Jefferson, making it a create spot for a picnic or an easy spot to capture a great view shot of the area. There are a few hiking trails at the top, included a special trail for kids!
  
  

• Elk Knob State Park
  *CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE
  Elk Knob is one of the highest peaks in the NC High Country at 5,520 feet (so peak leaf color will be found here the first week of October!).  There is a well maintained trail to the summit that has one of the top three views of the regioncsacs.
  
  

• Cascades Falls
  *CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE
  Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 271.9
  This waterfall located in the EB Jeffress Park is a one mile round trip with many stairs. When you get to the bottom of the stairs, you will see a 35 foot waterfall. TIP: Add on a .5 walk at the bottom of the Cascades Fall to the Tomkins Knob cabin.
  
  

WEST JEFFERSON NC AREA FALL FESTIVALS

• West Jefferson Antiques Fair
  September 13-14, 2024
  Downtown West Jefferson
  Numerous antique vendors set up during this fair and one can find a variety of items including vintage furniture, coins, glassware, quilts, refurbished antiques, pottery, silver, vintage signage and much more.  Live music, food vendors and childrens activities also take place.
  
  
• Festival of the Frescoes
  October 14, 9-4pm: Glendale Springs
  An old-fashioned country fair with baked goods, local crafts, raffles, children's activities, live music and more.  Located on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church, home of Ben Long's fresco "The Last Supper."
  
  
  
• For a list of fall festivals in the region, click HERE
  
  

WEST JEFFERSON NC FALL ACTIVITIES

• Scarecrow \Walking Tour
  9/15-10/31: Downtown West Jefferson
  The merchants of downtown West Jefferson have scarecrow displays throughout town. 
  
  LOCAL TIP: A good way to see the scarecrows is by following the downtown mural trail.  Pick up a map at the Ashe Arts Council and stop by the Ashe County Cheese Factory nextdoor for some refreshments to enjoy on your walk.
  
  
  
• View a list of all the apple orchards and corn mazes in the region HERE

For more fall fun, join the Fall Lovers League of the High Country Facebook group HERE!